Faith CookAnne Bradstreet

I doubt Anne Bradstreet would ring a bell with many Americans, but it should, and Faith Cook shows us why. First, she shows us Bradstreet. Though devoted to what some would consider the mundane tasks of raising a family, Bradstreet lived a life that counted. She was a courageous woman who poured out her life for her faith, her freedom, and her family. An understanding of beauty and divine purpose filled her heart, and Bradstreet let it loose in poetry so engaging that it found popularity in England despite being authored by a woman.Second, she shows us colonial America, not through the eyes of explorers or royalty or only in reference to conflicts and political maneuvers, but through the eyes of a Puritan pilgrim.Third, she shows us poetry. Though the book is mainly biography, excerpts of Bradstreet's sonorous poetry are weaved throughout and will leave you hungry for more.So, I recommend it. It's a short read, and one that culminates in the humble glory of a mother's life well lived.

This book is a pleasure because the author lets Anne Bradstreet speak for herself and doesn’t try to fit her into some predetermined box. This is a great introduction into her writing and her life. It is a small book but it contains much to be blessed and inspired by.

I love it! I would highly recommend it to serious students of American History and early poetry of any age -

Great little book about a famous first American poet!

If ever two were one, then surely we.If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.If ever wife was happy in a man,Compare with me, ye women, if you can.I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold,Or all the riches that the East doth hold.My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.Thy love is such I can in no way repay;The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.Then while we live, in love lets so persever,That when we live no more, we may live ever.I have always loved that poem. It conveys such sweet and pure and simple love. In contrast to our day--a day when husbands and wives are encouraged to be assertive and scornful toward one another--it conveys a passion and intensity that is charming and endearing. Anne Bradstreet loved her husband and she was not afraid to tell the world.Anne Bradstreet is the subject of Faith Cook's latest biography. Cook has previously written about John Bunyan and Lady Jane Grey, among others, establishing herself as one of the foremost contemporary Christian biographers. And in Anne Bradstreet she does nothing to cast doubt upon such ascendency. This is a good and rather straightforward biography of the Pilgrim poet--America's first notable poet and still one of her best. Born Anne Dudley in Northampton, England, Anne emigrated to the New World in 1630, but not before marrying Simon Bradstreet at the tender age of 16. She lived and died in Massachusetts, discovering her gift for verse and becoming successfully published along the way.Bradstreet suffered greatly in life and yet she rejoiced in her Savior. Her poetry often discusses such themes, reflecting on living for the Lord's glory in a life filled with pain. She loved dearly, thought freely, worshiped greatly and recorded it all through her poems. A biographical introduction like this one helps explain her poems and allows the reader to meet her, though centuries lie between. To read this book is to understand her poems better and to appreciate them all the more.Several months ago I was asked to pen an endorsement for this short volume. And here is what I wrote: In this telling of the life of Anne Bradstreet, viewed primarily through the legacy of her poems, Faith Cook continues to prove herself one of today's foremost Christian biographers. I highly recommend it.

If you're interested in the story of the early Puritans coming to America for religious freedom, you'll certainly enjoy this book. Anne Bradstreet (d. 1672) was on a ship in one of the first Puritan contingents who came to America around 1630. This book is her amazing story told by biographer Faith Cook.Anne Bradstreet faced difficulties that most Christians today can scarcely imagine. She had to adjust to difficult pioneer living in the "New World" and she faced frequent bouts of illness and loneliness, as well as periods of dark depression. She was constantly surrounded by death and learned about the terrors of death at a young age. The politics of the day were in turmoil (her husband was a politician of sorts) and the religious atmosphere was less than stable in the "New World." It wasn't an easy time to be a Christian! Furthermore, Bradstreet loved to write deeply Christian poetry and had to deal with the attitude of the day that women should not do such things.The book is well written and not overly long or cumbersome (just under 200 pages). Many of Bradstreet's poems (or parts of them) are woven into the story in an edifying manner. Faith Cook is an excellent biographer and compelling writer. I'm confident many Christians of different backgrounds will be able to benefit from this book if they enjoy this part of the history of Christianity. I'd especially recommend this book for mothers, wives, and women's book clubs.

Faith Cooks writings are so lively and ful of good interesting facts . Her books have been my daily food for a number of years now. No other writer captivates my spiritual hunger as she surely does.

Faith Cook's writings are always well researched and interestingly written. As well as being informative her books are always a joy to read.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR OUR LIBRARY IN MY REFORMED BAPTIST CHURCH IN INVERNESS I HOPE TO BUY MANY MORE LIKE THIS

Bought this for my aunt who loved it and lent it to all her friends.